see that after this lapse of time everything is as perfect and dustless as if just new, for the protecting force that has caused the death of several people has preserved the vessel from damp, heat, and even dust. We want that hour to cord the way, for the mechanism cannot be shown you and whoever goes beyond the cords will pay the penalty with his life. We do not anticipate throwing the vessel open to general inspection again and you only shall have this privilege. Now, all who desire to forgive and forget, please raise a hand!” Dennis looked round and proceeded: “I am much pleased to see there is not a single dissentient, and that smiles have replaced frowns. In a few seconds’ time you will be restored to your personal comfort and weight.” Here Dennis nodded to Gilbert, who entered the vessel and slowly removed the switch back to zero; as gradually did the people fall. When they knew there was no danger and that they had not been suddenly transformed into angels—which many had often expressed a desire to become—they could see the humorous side; who could not? for who could remain serious and see sixty or seventy people of all ages and conditions bobbing up and down light as feathers, actually blowing one another away? Even before they reached the ground tears of laughter were on all faces as they struggled to congratulate the three owners, in the best of good humour. After the preparation they went round the vessel and saw what even in that enlightened age were hitherto inconceivable wonders, and finally the vessel was cleared, the outside protected as before, in proof of which several missiles were hurled within the zone and all present saw them vaporised. Willing hands helped to fix up the door as before, and the shed was closed and locked securely to shelter the gigantic Queen, still a deadly enigma to all in the world except three persons, but to them a kind and gracious mistress, ready and willing at any moment to do their bidding and to carry them to the utmost confines of creation, to open out wonders and mysteries hitherto beyond mortal ken. Weary as they were, they sat talking the matter over for several hours, and then retired to rest, feeling that life was indeed worth living and work a blessed privilege. Needless to say, the instant the people had got outside the shed news began to travel far and fast; before nightfall it was telepathed all over the world, and airships by scores came to Derwent; the sky was full of them, almost every stratum of atmosphere having hundreds of ships jostling one another, each hoping to catch a glimpse of their wonderful rival; but the _Regina_, in her protected and armoured shed, was safe from all observation and theft. The door, which had only been partially fastened when the crowd broke in, was now thoroughly secure and in electric circuit.